As a graduate of Howard University, I not only understand the rich legacy of a Historically Black College & University but its importance as a stepping stone to opportunity for Black Americans and a “safe space” for professional and personal development. Schools that center around young Black minds work to cultivate confidence in and outside the classroom, creating exceptional leaders within any field of their choosing. The Chevrolet Discover the Unexpected Journalism Fellowship cater to these phenomenal students in an effort to support “the next generation of African American journalists and storytellers to blaze new trails in journalism.”
During the Congressional Black Caucus earlier this fall, The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and Chevrolet hosted a luncheon to recognize students from HBCUs who completed the 2017 Fellowship. Eight students representing Clark Atlanta University, Howard University, Morehouse College and Spelman College worked with NNPA editors and reporters at NNPA newspapers including Washington Informer, Atlanta Voice, Louisiana Weekly and The Carolinian.
Hip-Hop pioneer MC Lyte, who is also the program’s national spokesperson, served as the Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening. Michelle Matthews-Alexander, Chevrolet’s diversity marketing manager, awarded the Fellows with a certificate of achievement and Dr. Benjamin Chavis, Jr., president and CEO of NNPA, discussed their work with veteran journalists and gaining hands-on experience. Later, Dorothy Leavell, NNPA chairman, shared “the importance of mentoring the next generation journalists.”
Launched in 2016 at Howard University, the DTU has since expanded to include four other HBCUs. The fellows created influential stories geared towards uplifting their communities and used all-new 2018 Chevrolet Equinox during their reporting assignments to aid them in discovering real news stories. Find out more about the program here.
